Tripp Weighing Football Options With Several D-1 Schools

(August 24, 2024 8:00 AM ET) When Western High School football player Coby Tripp goes to the line as a defensive back nobody thinks twice.

When he goes to the line with a football, others probably think it is a little strange that someone around six feet tall and under 200 pounds as a lineman.

But Tripp has a special talent that others are taking note of – especially when he has the football in his hand.

Tripp, a senior at WHS, is a nationally ranked long snapper – a skill needed by Division 1 schools and beyond.

He started practicing the skill in sixth grade.

“It was something I could do (and still play football),” Tripp said. “I love the sport and want to play at the next level.”

Tripp got serious about the skill – hiking a football accurately up to 15 yards for a punt – two years ago. He has been to long snapper camps all over for Mid-American Conference schools, North Carolina State, Michigan, and Indiana.

“Long snapping a football is just like shooting a jump shot in basketball,” Tripp said. “It is all repetition.”

WHS Coach Nick Rulewicz said Coby is a great long snapper, but also has other skills.

“He is a great tackler in the open field,” Rulewicz said. “He is also one of our team captains.

Tripp must be great at the long snapper position as he has received scholarship offers from the University of Miami – yes the U – and Central Michigan University.

The skill of hiking a football seven to 15 yards accurately is needed at all levels – from high schools, to college, and the NFL. National Football League have a designated long snapper and a number of them perform that one duty for 10 or more years.

The only time you hear their names is when the football is hiked over the punter’s or holder’s head.

“Coby loves football and wants to play at the next level, and this is his opportunity because he is not the most physically gifted,” Rulewicz said. “He does have a great football mind out there.”

Tripp and the Panthers will be looking for another successful season after going 10-2 a year ago and advancing to the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s D-3 regional final.

“Making the playoffs has become normal around here,” Tripp said. “We want to take it further this season.”

Just like his long snapping ability.